UAE launches project to help equip firefighters and build fire stations worldwide

Global scheme aims to ‘enhance emergency preparedness and response capabilities’

A firefighter tackles the flames that have ravaged Los Angeles in California in recent days, as officials step up fire safety efforts globally. Reuters

Dubai Civil Defence is leading a scheme to help supply essential firefighting equipment and create more fire stations around the world.

The 1 Billion Readiness project, which runs until 2027, aims to train and educate one billion people worldwide on fire prevention measures. The scheme brings together 34 countries and 16 major firefighting organisations, said Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed, Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council.

"A key component of this initiative, the Hope Convoys project will provide critical support to developing countries by supplying essential equipment and establishing fire stations to enhance emergency preparedness and response capabilities," Sheikh Mansoor wrote on X. "Through these initiatives, we strive to build a safer and more resilient future for all."

Vision for global safety

Lt Gen Expert Rashid Thani Al Matrooshi, Director General of the General Directorate of Civil Defence in Dubai, highlighted the scale and purpose of the project.

“The work on this initiative began about a year ago, aiming to raise global awareness of fire safety using simple, effective methods that engage individuals and educate them on basic safety practices,” he said. “These practices were identified through a study of the main causes of fires based on actual incidents handled.”

Dubai Civil Defence firefighters tackle a blaze in the emirate. Pawan Singh / The National

The efforts of firefighters have been in focus in the past week, with the impact of wildfires in Los Angeles, which have resulted in the deaths of 24 people so far.

Closer to home, the overall number of fires in the UAE fell in 2023, the most recent figures available, although official data reveals an increase in certain categories, such as in residential blazes and major incidents.

Details released by the Ministry of Interior show civil defence teams responded to 2,473 fires in 2023, down from 3,000 the previous year.

The UAE programme’s first steps included designing training courses tailored to the key causes of fires and creating awareness materials to promote safety.

A dedicated online platform developed in Dubai, allows participating countries and organisations to upload data on fire incidents, related deaths and training targets. The platform enables benchmarking and provides access to Dubai training programmes and materials on safety awareness. “This is not just about fire prevention but about creating a culture of safety that transcends borders,” Lt Gen Expert Al Matrooshi said.

The project was launched on January 1 and has already attracted 250,000 entrants online, he said. “This initiative represents the UAE’s commitment to contributing to global safety standards,” he added. “We’ve engaged countries like the USA, UK, Japan and Australia, among many others, alongside international organisations active in disaster management, to ensure a collaborative approach.”

International perspective

Chief fire officer Neil Odin, of Britain's National Fire Chiefs Council, also underscored the importance of global collaboration in fire safety. “Last year, we saw 594,000 fires across the UK in homes, workplaces and rural settings, resulting in 320 fatalities,” he said.

“While this is an improvement from the 1,000 deaths annually in the 1980s, one fire-related death is still one too many. This is an opportunity to bring our commitment to intervention and education to a global audience of one billion people.”

Joe Smith, chief executive of the National Fire Industry Association in Australia, described the scheme as “a call to arms” for global firefighting co-operation.

“In a 2023 report on fire outcomes, it was noted that fatalities and injuries increase significantly after the first four minutes and 22 seconds of a fire,” he said. “Our focus is to educate communities on responding effectively within those critical moments.”

David O’Neil, chairman of FireAid in the UK, gave an example of how collaborations could help reduce the impact of fires across the globe.

"Last year alone, we donated more than 250 fire appliances, 9,500 breathing apparatus sets and over 10,000 containers of personal protective equipment," he said. "Additionally, we trained 260 firefighters and first responders in countries like Nepal, Gambia and Ukraine.”